What are PCB Relays?
Found in nearly all electronic devices, printed circuit boards (PCB) are used to mechanically support and connect various electronic components that employ conductive pathways in an assembly. A simple electronic structure which can be layered to support high-speed circuitry and processing power within a network, PCBs serve as the backbone of electronics and are ideal for connecting parts like semiconductors, connectors, resistors, diodes, capacitors, and radio devices to a larger system. Of the various devices that can be mounted to a PCB for added diversity, PCB relays are applied to printed circuit boards to control certain switches while overseeing leverage across electrical pathways. Below, we will go into detail on a few common PCB relays, highlighting their functions, and further addressing why they are applied.
Commonly appearing in the form of electromagnetic, reed, solid-state, hybrid, and thermal relays, PCB relays optimize circuit boards and are typically implemented for industrial machinery, transportation, control panels, science/medical equipment, communications equipment, and consumer electronic devices. Apparatuses aiding in the control of circuitry, PCB relays are classified by their mounting type, contacts, function, or construction, but can be designed without contacts for particular methods of employment. With compact devices becoming ever more present throughout a myriad of industries, it is critical that PCB relays vary in physical application and size to suit a vast array of appliances.
Electromagnetic Relays
Applied to a PCB through soldering, electromagnetic relays are practical for use in control systems as a mode of power management. Built with an electromagnet to facilitate mechanical switching mechanisms for resistive and inductive loads, electromagnetic relays provide a divide between lower and higher powered circuits. Standard for AC/DC applications, electromagnets affixed to electromagnetic relays convert a received signal into motion, allowing mechanical actions to open and close a circuit.
Solid-State Relays
Often constructed in tandem within a single-in-line package (SIP) or dual-in-line package (DIP), solid-state relays (SSR) are widely implemented for industrial machinery where part reliance is critical, but space is limited. Exhibiting a smaller footprint in comparison to other relay options, SSRs yield long service lives while providing high resistance to shock and imposed vibrations. Essentially used for high-speed, high-frequency processes where active relay switching is needed, solid-state relays switch on or off depending on when external voltage moves through control terminals.
Thermal Relays
Used to protect devices from an overload of current, thermal relays use the principle of thermoelectric effects to act quickly, separating connections once an imminent spike of heat is detected. Safeguarding sensitive circuitry that can be easily damaged from an oncoming surge, thermal relays should be separated from other parts that comprise a PCB to ensure part reliability. This is done to mitigate unwanted interactions between relays and parts like the semiconductors, transformers, and other devices which generate heat and magnetic fields capable of causing a thermal relay to act inappropriately. Considered a type of electrical appliance, thermal relays can be found housed in several motors and operational equipment for the oversight of allowable temperature ranges within machinery.
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